UNBEATEN Aberavon were given a thorough examination by Bedwas in the Welsh Premiership.

Aberavon coach Kevin Hopkins was satisfied with his side's impressive start to the season: "I am pleased with three wins from three games but we knew that Bedwas would give 80 minutes of good work rate - and they did not let us down in that respect."

Fly-half Davies, who had scored 99 points in eight previous league meetings with Bedwas, improved his average by landing seven of his nine shots at goal, kicking six penalties and a conversion.

On a downbeat note the Wizards have lost their fourth hooker with Jonathan Owen picking up a leg-injury.

Bedwas did have one of the best players on the field in wing Mike Silcox, who scored a brace for Caerphilly against Aberavon last season and repeated the act for the club he had started with at youth level.

Aberavon, however, had powerful No8 Richard Morris in fine form and he notched his 112th try in his 324th appearance, while Deri Mattravers, as acting skipper for Bedwas, was a splendid opponent.

Davies stood out in the home backline and wing Richard Carter was always ready to pounce.

There was a memorable moment for Bedwas' replacement fly-half Andrew James, who came on to kick a penalty with his first touch and reach 1,000 league points.

Aberavon began with great confidence and it was no surprise when a sweeping move saw Paul Bamsey and Morris combine to send lock Paul Morgan over in the corner.

Bedwas knuckled down, however, and fly-half Rhys Edwards landed two good penalty efforts for a 6-5 lead, but Davies landed his first penalty just before home hooker Jonathan Owen was taken to hospital.

Davies landed another two penalties, but Bedwas were looking dangerous on the break.

Bedwas scored a try as Aberavon reshuffled and then added a penalty.

Then came the Aberavon surge with 15 points coming in as many minutes, starting when full-back Gareth Knox found a huge touch.

The ball came back to the home backs, who were halted, but replacement hooker Marc Breeze was held on the line, only for the powerful Morris to surge over.

Davies converted and added his fourth penalty before flanker Simon Peters hit the line at a fine angle, drew Locke and sent wing Carter over for a 29-16 lead.

A James penalty was followed by two more from Davies and then the visitors scored another try through wing Silcox.